Sr. Facade Designer

HKS, Inc; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

HKS, Inc. in Chicago seeks a design leader and project manager to envision, design, and deliver leading-edge facade and enclosure systems. You will translate performance, engineering, and aesthetic goals into cohesive solutions while guiding a multidisciplinary team.

The role requires strong client relationships, strategic oversight across multiple projects, and hands-on coordination of LINE Facade Studio talent. Advanced knowledge of enclosure systems, codes, and sustainable design is essential.

Qualifications

• Accredited architecture degree and professional registration preferred.
• 10+ years in architectural design and construction with facades.
• Experience leading multi-disciplinary teams and client relations.

Responsibilities

• Lead facade design and primary client relationship owner.
• Develop conceptual vision, systems design, performance, detailing.
• Oversee execution and delivery of implementation documents.
• Coordinate LINE Facade Studio talent with client project teams.
• Integrate sustainable design solutions into facade projects.
• Review design work for accuracy and compliance with codes.

Skills

Facade design leadership

Project management

Client relationship management

Revit proficiency

Team coordination

Education

Accredited Professional degree in Architecture

Architectural Registration preferred

Tools

Revit

Rhino/ SketchUp

Photoshop/Illustrator/InDesign

MS Office

Job description

Overview:

A combined design leader and project manager responsible for envisioning, designing, and delivering successful leading-edge facade and enclosure systems. Possesses the ability to synthesize design, performance, and engineering requirements of facade systems into cohesive innovative systems solutions. Possesses strong leadership and communications skills, a flexible attitude, ability to solve problems creatively and ability to foster and manage effective client relationships. Responsible for high-impact decisions across multiple projects. Coordinates facade design and facade engineering talent across the practice. Acts as a subject matter expert for facade design and performance solutions. Creative and ready to surmount conventional thinking.

Responsibilities:

• Acts as the lead facade designer and primary client relationship owner
• Leads the facade and enclosure design of multiple projects by developing the conceptual vision, systems design, performance, and detailing
• Leads the facade design effort and manages the execution and delivery of implementation documents through all phases of multiple projects
• Exercises skills of persuasion and negotiation on critical issues
• Develops novel, synthetic, and trans-disciplinary facade design concepts and expands, augments, and emboldens the concepts of others
• Oversees coordination of HKS LINE Facade Studio talent with client project teams both internally and externally
• Integrates HKS LINE Facade Studio expertise and innovation into all projects, while actively seeking opportunities to incorporate sustainable design solutions
• Manages the technical resolution and coordination of facade and enclosure systems
• Manages and oversees the LINE Facade Studio project team collaboration with other internal disciplines and external consultants to establish and document design solutions that can be technically implemented with the constraints of the project goals, budgets, schedule, and within local ordinances and codes
• Integrates facade engineering requirements from LINE Facade Engineering team members
• Reviews design work and implementation documents for accuracy and completeness
• Establishes project performance design criteria for enclosure systems
• Oversees the development of and may modify and/or review graphic presentations, 3D rendering and implementation documents to incorporate the facade design intent
• Leads client presentations as needed
• Monitors project to anticipate potential risks and collaborates with the PIC, legal team, and client to resolve issues.
• Oversees product, materials, or systems research and evaluation to direct team members on appropriate selections
• Works with respective teams to manage client expectations, team communication, and consultant coordination
• Delegates and holds LINE Facade Studio project teams accountable for code analysis, design standards, detailing, constructability, performance analysis, and deliverables to HKS standards, best practices, and quality expectations
• May participate site or factory inspection, audit, or test oversite visits

Qualifications:

• Accredited Professional degree in Architecture
• Architectural Registration strongly preferred
• Typically 10+ years of experience
• Sustainable design accreditation preferred
• Firsthand sustained experience in all phases of architectural design and construction
• Proficiency in Revit preferred
• Awareness of Rhino, Sketchup, or other 3d modelling software
• Awareness of scripting and parametric modelling software such as Grasshopper, Ladybug, Dynamo, Python C# preferred
• Awareness of thermal analysis software such as LBNL Window, LBNL Therm, LBNL Optics, WUFI, WUFI Mould Index VTT preferred.
• Awareness of optical, lighting, and daylighting design software such as RADIANCE, Climate Studio, EVALGLARE, Acelerad, Ladybug Tools, ALFA, LARK preferred
• Awareness of Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign graphic software preferred
• Awareness of energy modeling tools such as Energy Plus, Design Builder, IES VE preferred
• Awareness of structural analysis software such as Strand, Solidworks, SJ Mepla, Ansys Mech preferred
• Familiarity in the functionality of Vision
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite
• Advanced knowledge of synthesizing trans-disciplinary design drivers for facades
• Advanced knowledge of enclosure systems and QA/QC process
• Advanced knowledge of building codes, design standards, constructability and market procurement
• Successful track record with managing a team and performing duties in a fast-paced environment
• Proficiency in logistics management including connecting people and resources to the right place at the right time
• Strong presentation skills
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to work on multiple projects at the same time
• Ability to manage team with diplomatic and collaborative leadership style which puts value on relationships and collaboration, both internal and external
• Ability to communicate in a clear, concise and professional manner both verbally and in writing
• Ability to problem solve and apply innovative solutions
• Ability to collaborate and encourage collaboration in a team environment
• Ability to effectively meet deadlines at expected quality
• Travel may be required

HKS is an EEO/AA Employer: M/F/Disabled/Veteran